Rick Schaden

Tom’s Urban 24 Owner

As the chairman and founder of Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Rick Schaden has helped several new restaurant chains find their footing and flourish. His most recent projects include the eatery Tom’s Urban 24. Located on Larimer Square in Denver, Tom’s Urban 24 serves local food and cocktails 24 hours a day. The restaurant, which Rick Schaden opened in conjunction with Tom Ryan, earned a positive review in 5280: The Denver Magazine on the occasion of its launch in 2012. Richard Schaden has adopted a hands-on approach to managing the restaurant and expects to remain involved with it for a long time.

Although Richard E. Schaden has found significant success in the restaurant industry, he has made investments in other fields as well, including professional cycling. He helped to fund the stage race, USA Pro Challenge, which takes advantage of Colorado’s mountain landscape to combine majestic views with grueling climbs that challenge even the world-class teams who compete in the event. Under the leadership of Rick Schaden and CCP, the race has become the top event of its type in the United States. The USA Pro Challenge got its start in 2011 and has undergone significant growth since that time.

Over the course of his career, Rick Schaden has been recognized several times for his charitable efforts and business acumen. He was named to the White House Conference on Small Business assembled by President Bill Clinton, and he has received an award from the California Legislature for helping Americans from underserved communities. Richard E. Schaden prepared for his career at the University of Colorado, where he studied finance and business management and graduated magna cum laude.

Jessie's Homes for Families Brings Hope to Coloradans in Need

Through a partnership with Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, the new nonprofit group Jessie’s Homes for Families is working toward construction of a transitional housing complex that will address the needs of families experiencing homelessness. Renaissance at North Colorado Station intends to offer, in one location, housing, social service assistance, and childcare to its clients.

Jessica Schaden, the Denver-area resident behind the project, was spurred into action after noticing an increase in the number of homeless families in her community over the last few years. The Denver Post corroborated this observation, reporting in 2013 that the figures from an annual survey conducted by the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, which estimated 11,000 homeless individuals in the city, may actually be an underestimate of the problem. That survey revealed more people experiencing longer periods of homelessness than in prior yearly surveys. And the number of homeless individuals with serious medical concerns rose by more than 4 percentage points from 2011 to 2013. Thinking of these families spending their nights in Colorado’s cold winter temperatures moved Schaden to look for the most constructive way to help.

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless notes that many chronic societal problems, including lack of access to quality medical care and affordable housing, contribute to the persistence of homelessness. Thanks to initiatives such as Jessie’s Homes for Families, the Denver community can offer additional resources to assist these individuals.

Child Care for Parents Struggling with Homelessness: A Vital Lifeline

Homeless parents encounter far more difficulties in obtaining quality childcare than even their peers in housed families of low income. Frequent changes from one community to another, difficulties in identifying and using the required documents to enroll in childcare programs, and lack of funds to put toward co-pays for subsidized childcare all work against them. Homeless parents may also find it difficult to sustain employment because of the unstable nature of their childcare arrangements. For all these reasons, the provision of adequate childcare for homeless mothers and fathers has become a priority for a growing number of states and cities across the country.

Nonprofit organizations like Jessie’s Homes for Families in Denver are working to create multipurpose transitional housing complexes that offer childcare and other services to homeless families. These efforts can help communities take significant steps in alleviating the effects of homelessness on young children, which include developmental delays and ongoing problems with physical and mental health.

A variety of programs in other states, both nonprofit-driven and government-led, are addressing the situation in similar ways. For example, a Massachusetts program offers subsidies specifically to homeless families who do not qualify for other kinds of childcare aid. This funding gives parents a chance to gain job training, look for work, or more easily hold on to an existing job. A program in Washington state offers the same type of subsidy to families who are seeking long-term housing and stable employment.

Urban Peak Provides Employment and Training Services

A well-known nonprofit with many years of experience in the Denver area, Urban Peak provides a broad range of resources to individuals and families from underserved communities. Richard E. Schaden is an avid proponent of ending homelessness through his support of Urban Peak. In addition to providing educational support for children of all ages, Urban Peak offers an extensive employment and vocational training program.

One of the most effective employment training programs at Urban Peak, Job Readiness Training teaches participants skills such as resume and cover letter writing, conflict resolution, goal setting, and job retention. The program also allows participants to gain real-world volunteer experience and places graduates in programs sponsored by the Workforce Investment Act and Summer Youth Employment Program.

In the area of job retention, Urban Peak supports young people long after they secure employment in their communities. Urban Peak helps youth to secure transportation to their jobs, find appropriate clothing, set goals, and solicit feedback from their employers. Ultimately, the job retention program helps young people to succeed in the workplace and lay the foundation for a successful career.

Urban Peak Increases Training Opportunities for Homeless Youth

The professionals at the nonprofit Urban Peak understand the importance of a good education and job skills for becoming independent adults. The organization consistently seeks new opportunities for the people it serves. Earlier this year, Urban Peak organized a unique event called “Connect. Build. Succeed.” The event brought together speakers from service and training programs, schools, apprenticeships, and trades.

During the event, the representatives spoke to youth about the various opportunities they have available for developing job skills and amassing experience. When faced with homelessness, youth focus on daily survival and must often ignore any planning for the future. The event allowed them to explore the options available to them and instilled hope that a better future awaits.

At the inaugural “Connect. Build. Succeed.” event, nearly 20 area organizations came to demonstrate their support for the youth served by Urban Peak and connect them with viable education and employment paths.

Urban Peak has an excellent record of connecting youth who are struggling with homelessness with meaningful opportunities. During its last annual Career Fair, nearly 70 individuals attended and 13 secured employment.

St. Stephen’s Human Services Reveals the Human Side of Homelessness

The Denver, Colorado, nonprofit America’s Road Home focuses on the issues confronting entire families in need. In order to accomplish its mission, America’s Road Home supports a number of organizations working in this area, including St. Stephen’s Human Services in Minneapolis.

In an effort to reveal the human side of homelessness, St. Stephen’s Human Services sponsored a project to orally record the histories of individuals in need. Historically, these voices are the least frequently heard in the nation. Since 2008, the project has collected more than 600 oral histories, all of which begin with names, ages, and locations where they slept the previous night. The project also includes portraits of the individuals and families who share their stories.

Margaret Miles, the director of the project, developed the idea after noticing how often she reported the stories she heard from clients of St. Stephen’s to members of the community and funders. She spearheaded the effort to empower these individuals to speak for themselves.

The Nexus C.A.R.E.S. Children’s Center in Dallas

A longtime advocate of services to the homeless, Rick Schaden actively supports the mission of America’s Road Home. Thanks to the contributions of Rick Schaden and fellow donors, America’s Road Home provides valuable financial support for organizations such as the Nexus C.A.R.E.S. substance abuse treatment center in Dallas, Texas. In addition to its many women-only substance abuse treatment programs, Nexus features a licensed child development program in the Crystal Charity Children’s Center on the La Prada campus.

At the Nexus Children’s Center, children up to 12 years of age attend school and participate in a number of therapeutic activities. While their mothers undergo treatment for substance abuse issues, children have the opportunity to talk about their experiences in a safe and structured environment. Programming at the Nexus Children’s Center also includes supplemental activities from organizations such as Rainbow Days, the Betty Ford Center Children’s Program, A.R.T.S. for People, and Foster Grandparents.

The Nexus Generations Prenatal and Postpartum Intervention Program

For many years, the Nexus Recovery Center has provided therapeutic substance-abuse recovery services for women, adolescents, and children in the Dallas area. In addition to its traditional residential and outpatient recovery services, Nexus offers a full range of specialty services, including the Nexus Generations program. A prenatal and postpartum intervention (PPI) program designed for new mothers, the Nexus Generations program teaches women how to build healthy and nurturing families.

To accomplish its mission, the Nexus Generations program organizes workshops and educational activities on topics such as nurturing parenting, building resiliency skills in children, and recovery support. When it comes to nurturing parenting, the program stresses the role of positive discipline in child development. The program also teaches parents how to cope with anger and stress in healthy ways and establish open lines of communication among family members. Classes take place at several locations throughout Dallas, including Early Head Start in West Garland, the JL Patton Learning Center, and the Promise House Wesley Inn.

Urban Peak Takes Part in Annual Colorado Gives Day

With the support of local business and community leaders, the Colorado-based nonprofit Urban Peak provides a variety of services to youth either at imminent threat of becoming homeless, or experiencing homelessness, in both Denver and Colorado Springs. Serving Colorado residents from the ages of 15 to 24, the organization offers resources such as housing, employment training, and education assistance.

On December 9, 2014, Urban Peak joined numerous philanthropic individuals and organizations in celebrating Colorado Gives Day, an annual movement that seeks to encourage charitable giving across the state. To increase awareness of youth in need as a widespread yet preventable issue, Urban Peak commemorated the day with a Walk the Block event. The organization honored the obstacles overcome by youth from disadvantaged backgrounds on a daily basis as supporters walked around downtown Denver for a full 24 hours. Beginning at Saint John’s Cathedral on Washington Street, the event presented an opportunity for locals to both learn about and contribute to the cause.

Tom's Urban Opens in Las Vegas to Celebrate the New Year

Tom’s Urban on the Las Vegas Strip, the third eatery named after Smashburger founder Tom Ryan, rang in the New Year with a “meet, eat, and drink” patio party. The restaurant opened in December 2014, serving everything from Tom’s “big and sticky” rib rack to Low Country shrimp and grits. Based on Ryan’s global travels, the menu reflects the culture, traditions, and local foods he encountered around the world.

Ryan was recognized by Gourmet magazine as one of the Top 25 Food Entrepreneurs of the Last Quarter Century, and in 2012, he founded Tom’s Urban with restaurant financier Rick Schaden. The restaurant now has locations in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Denver.

The newest Tom’s Urban is part of The Sporting House on the site of the former New York-New York sports bar in Las Vegas. Serving comfort food, the restaurant features an indoor-outdoor patio and a wide variety of beer and craft cocktails.

St. Stephen’s Human Services - Community Outreach Initiatives

Minneapolis, Minnesota-based St. Stephen’s Human Services supports and advocates for individuals experiencing homelessness, providing emergency resources, housing services, and employment assistance while striving to eradicate the systemic causes of homelessness. In addition to its supportive programs, the nonprofit also offers multiple community engagement opportunities aimed at increasing local backing for its initiatives and fostering a wider understanding of homelessness.

The organization’s A Day in the Life program gives community members a chance to learn about homelessness firsthand. Throughout the daylong outing, participants walk to resources such as shelters and drop-in centers, gaining insight into the unique challenges and perspectives of homelessness from trained educators who have experienced it themselves. Participants benefit from candid conversations and open reflection about homelessness and learn how they can work to end it.

Another program, the zAmya Theater Project, presents an opportunity for all individuals, regardless of their housing status, to collaborate on a unique theatrical performance. Participants develop and perform productions that reflect the realities of homelessness and encourage audiences to work toward change. Through zAmya, St. Stephen’s strives to remind communities of the humanity and individuality of people from disadvantaged backgrounds, thereby inspiring audiences to view them as more than simply “homeless.”

St. Stephen's Kateri Residence Aids Recovery for American Indian Women

St. Stephen’s Human Services is a Minneapolis, Minnesota, nonprofit that provides support and advocacy for homeless individuals. The organization works to end homelessness through a variety of programs, including employment support, emergency services, and housing assistance for Native American women through the Kateri Residence, which also provides substance abuse recovery support.

Kateri combines traditional rehabilitation strategies such as the 12-step program with cultural activities and resources, creating a supportive, spiritually enriching environment for Native American women overcoming chemical dependency. The program’s cultural activities include morning meditation and burning of sage, community feasts, and talking circles. Residents also have opportunities to attend powwows and other cultural ceremonies, as well as to connect with Native American community leaders and Kateri alumni.

In addition to offering stable housing and recovery support, St. Stephen’s Kateri Residence provides individual case management and advocacy services. The program also works to ensure comprehensive health and wellness with the services of an on-site nurse. Kateri aims to help its residents lead healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives, and the program offers parenting classes as well as family reunification assistance. It additionally helps woman acquire valuable life skills such as financial management and supports residents working to obtain a GED. As Kateri residents leave the program, St. Stephen’s assists them in securing stable housing and employment.

A Brief History of Nexus Recovery Center

Overcoming substance addiction is a monumental challenge, and for women still caring for their children, it can be an overwhelming task. Luckily for women, adolescents, and children in the greater Dallas region, Nexus Recovery Center has been striving to meet the needs of those struggling with addiction for over 40 years. Offering Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous counseling as well as a variety of other programs on a beautiful 12-acre campus, Nexus has provided hope and assistance to more than 20,000 women since it opened its doors in 1971.

Founded as the High Hopes Rehabilitation Center, a woman-focused treatment facility, Nexus’ unique methodology came to the fore in 1990, when the organization relocated to its present location and began offering mothers the ability to bring their children with them for the duration of their treatment. The following year, Nexus expanded its programming to include options for adolescents, and by 1999, the campus had grown to include the Crystal Charity Children’s Center, as well as an outpatient services clinic. Nexus recently received a grant from America’s Road Home LLC to help open C.A.R.E.S., a homeless shelter focused on the needs of women overcoming their substance dependencies.